Senior IR and Workforce Strategy Advisor

Location: Darwin  

(The NLC's Darwin office will relocate to a new, purpose-build facility in Berrimah in early 2026, offering modern facilities and free onsite parking) 

Status: Full-time-fixed term for 2 years

Annual Salary: $150,000 per annum plus 15% superannuation

Shape the Future of Workplace Relations

If you're a senior industrial relations professional who thrives on delivering strategic, purpose-driven outcomes, the Northern Land Council (NLC) offers an opportunity to apply your expertise in an organisation dedicated to supporting Aboriginal communities across the Top End.

Join us as we transition into our brand-new, purpose-built office in Berrimah, a modern facility with enhanced collaboration spaces, free onsite parking, and a working environment designed to support both people and performance.

About the Role

The Senior Industrial Relations and Workforce Strategy Advisor is a pivotal member of the People & Culture team, providing high-level strategic advice and project leadership across complex employee and industrial relations matters.

Reporting to the People & Culture Manager, this role drives key initiatives including enterprise bargaining, remuneration and job evaluation frameworks, gender equity, policy reform, and the management of psychological injury and workers' compensation cases.

This is an exciting opportunity to help modernise the NLC's industrial relations framework and drive the next stage of workforce transformation. You'll contribute to building a contemporary, consistent, and fair employment relations platform, supporting the NLC to mature its People & Culture practices and deliver strong, sustainable outcomes for staff and stakeholders.

As a trusted subject matter expert, you'll provide guidance, coaching, and quality assurance to workplace relations staff, strengthening capability and ensuring alignment with evolving legal, cultural, and organisational standards.

About You

You are an experienced industrial relations professional with a strong strategic mindset and a commitment to culturally responsive and equitable workplace practices.

You will have:

• Expertise in employee and industrial relations at a senior advisory or technical level, including enterprise bargaining, policy reform, remuneration, and job evaluation;
• In-depth knowledge of employment legislation, WHS laws, anti-discrimination provisions, and workers' compensation (including COMCARE);
• Proven ability to manage complex IR matters and high-risk disputes with professional integrity and sound judgement;
• Strong mentoring and coaching skills, with experience uplifting internal capability;
• Cultural competency in engaging respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce contexts, including regional and remote communities;
• Current NT driver's licence and willingness to travel across the NLC region.
  
  

For a full copy of the Position Description refer to the link provided below.

Why Join the NLC?

As the Senior IR & Workforce Strategy Advisor, you'll play a central role in shaping equitable and culturally responsive workplace relations across the organisation.

We offer:

• A base annual salary of $150,000 plus 15% superannuation.
• Salary packaging benefits (up to $15,900 + $2,500 for meals/holiday accommodation).
• Generous leave provisions; 5 weeks annual leave, 18 days personal leave,
• The opportunity to work across diverse regions, communities and cultures, supporting country, culture and people in ways that few leadership roles can offer

Important Dates

The NLC's annual close-down period will run from 22 December 2025 to 4 January 2026.

The organisation will relocate to a new, purpose-built facility in Berrimah in early 2026, with new employees commencing from 20 January 2026.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the position and how your skills and experience align with the requirements of the role.

For further information, please contact Sally Lowing on

This position is available for an immediate start and applications will be shortlisted upon receipt.

This position is designated for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants under section 57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT). Applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given priority consideration.

About the Northern Land Council

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is an independent statutory authority of the Commonwealth established under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. We serve Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities across the Top End, supporting their aspirations for land, sea, and cultural management.

Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to all we do. We are committed to equity, inclusion, and cultural safety, and we strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants to apply.

Be part of our next chapter

This is an exciting time to join the NLC as we transition to a modern workplace and strengthen our People & Culture capability.